Classes

June 3-7; 10:00 am - 12:15 pm
$400
Harry Attridge

This course will explore the combination of literary and conceptual elements of the most intriguing of Gospels. The gospel displays a wide variety of literary techniques, many associated with ancient drama, and it engages the reader with complex theological issues about how God is known, about what God has done in the life and death of Jesus, and about what is expected of followers of Jesus.

June 3-7; 10:00 am - 12:15 pm
$400
Jerry Streets

In this course we will, in a confidential setting, reflect theologically, think personally, and listen to one another deeply by using our own experiences, as well as short stories and theories, on why and how we may or may not change, and how that influences and contributes to our sense of being spiritual persons, and how we act in the world.  We will review the tools that increase our awareness of change and transformation and consider how to use these tools to enrich our understanding of our own lives and our faith.

June 3-7; 10:00 am - 12:15 pm
$400
Kenneth P. Minkema
Adriaan C. Neele

This course seeks to evaluate Edwards’ place within the mystical tradition, the contours and nature of his mysticism, and his appraisal of how mystical experience was appropriated (and misappropriated) during the protestant evangelical revivals, known as “The Great Awakening.”

June 3-7; 2:00 pm - 4:15 pm
$400
Greg Mobley

The title of the course, “Locksmithing,” alludes to a famous Jewish saying that sums up both the enigma and attraction of the Song of Songs: “the Song is a lock to which the key has been lost.” The first few days of this single week of classes will be devoted to trying to unlock the meaning of the Song with some of the “keys,” that is, interpretive strategies, that have already been fashioned by Jewish and Christian commentators. Then comes the fun part: attempting to unlock the meaning of the Song with new keys that we design together in the workshop of class.

June 3-7; 2:00 pm - 4:15 pm
$400
David Mahan

This class considers how poetry nurtures, and enriches, our spiritual lives. By our close reading of poems together from outstanding poets of the last 100 years, we will explore the many ways that poetry inspires us to comprehend our relationships with God, each other, and ourselves with fresh insight.

June 3-7; 2:00 pm - 4:15 pm
$400
Julie Faith Parker

What are various ways of interpreting the text and why do these methods matter? With attention to texts of the Hebrew Bible, this class offers an introductory sampling of different approaches in biblical studies, reading with feminist, disability, African, queer, and childist lenses. Course elements will include film, art, and poetry, as we engage the Bible creatively.

June 3-7; 2:00 pm - 4:15 pm
$400
Abdul-Rehman Malik

What is Islam? This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to understanding and engaging with Islamic tradition, practice and culture–and it will thus enable participants to offer answers to this far from straightforward question. In particular, the course will engage with Islam as a living tradition – a vibrant faith that is constantly and dynamically being developed, challenged, practiced and lived.